Empowering LGBTQ+ Voices
At the age of 46, I found myself reflecting on a life that felt stagnant, trapped by secrets that weighed heavily on my heart. I am a trans woman and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Although I came out as transgender in 2017, my journey toward embracing my true self has been long and arduous.
For much of my life, I lived in denial, hiding who I truly was. This denial manifested as anger and despair, leaving scars that still impact me and my family today. I was once an angry person, quick to anger, and I treated those around me with contempt and disrespect. My relationships, particularly with my family, suffered greatly. Despite my efforts, I struggled to be the parent I wanted to be, all while wrestling with a deep, unrecognized pain.
By the time I came out, the damage was already done. The loss of love and respect from my family was a painful consequence, and my transition became yet another point of contention. I do not blame them for their reactions, but I often find myself reflecting on the harm I caused. My father’s passing during this tumultuous period only compounded the grief. While I cannot undo the past, I am committed to living the rest of my life with integrity, learning from my mistakes.
Today, I am a much happier and more grounded person. After a suicide attempt in 2023, I sought the help I needed, equipping myself with the tools and wisdom to navigate life’s challenges. While self-harm is never easy to confront, it was a turning point that ultimately led me toward a path of fulfillment and happiness.
This year, I had the privilege of participating in the Trans March at Toronto Pride. The experience was profoundly moving, bringing me to tears as I witnessed the overwhelming support from the crowd. However, as I reflected on the day, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of frustration. Where are these supporters when Pride is over? Where are they when our rights are under attack, and when our lives are on the line?
These questions led me to a moment of deep introspection. I asked myself if I was doing enough to support my community. The answer was clear: I needed to do more. I am weary of being used as a political pawn and of seeing others rely on secondhand information about our lives. It is time for us to speak for ourselves.
As an experienced podcaster who has interviewed over 300 people, I understand the power of storytelling. Now, I want to use this platform to amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. 'In Service to Rainbows' will share stories of coming out, of navigating relationships with friends and family, and of finding joy in living authentically. These stories will encompass the full spectrum of our experiences, from sorrow to triumph, reminding us all that we are not alone.
My mission is clear: to spend the remainder of my life in service to my community. I aim to atone for the mistakes of my past by helping others, by listening with compassion, and by sharing stories with love and empathy. My hope is that through these stories, we can foster understanding, encourage those struggling with their identities, and perhaps even prevent someone from taking the path of self-harm.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
This is 'In Service to Rainbows.'
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